What is Real Estate Commission?

Real estate agents are the lovely ladies and gentlemen that list and show prospective buyers around houses, apartments and condos that are for sale. This puts them in the “sales” category of real estate firms, meaning the more they sell, the more money they can potentially make. Thanks to commissions (a percentage of the houses they sell, they earn), real estate agents get additional incentive to close more deals.

What Percentage of Commission Do Agents Get?

The actual percentages themselves can vary by the real estate firm and the individual agents that represent them. However, it typically ranges from around 5-6% – with those of the high-end and luxury variety closing in on double figures.

Which Parties Do The Commission-Generated Funds Come From?

More times than not, the seller ends up paying all of the commission at the close of sale. This is typically included in the “closing costs” that come up during that final meeting when you finally get the keys to your new home! Though typically, the fees don’t go right from seller to real estate agent. In most cases, it goes to the real estate broker – the one that funds your mortgage, as they often work directly with real estate agents. Sellers can easily calculate the asking price and factor in the commission rate to know what to offer up when the time comes. However, depending on the specific agreement, some of these terms can vary a bit.

Are These Rules Universal?

Many of these practices are considered the norm and are therefore generally accepted as default. However, there are no legal mandates that make this imperative, so in the event of unlikely circumstances, some adjustments can be made to the contract prior to signing. Your best bet is to work with an established real estate agent that will consider your needs first.

Are The Commissions Worth It?

99 times out of 100, absolutely and without a doubt the commission fees are worth working with a real estate agent. First off, your real estate agent most likely knows (and can recommend) other key figures involved with the process (the broker, a real estate attorney, home inspector, a handyman, etc.) The peace of mind knowing you have a network of trusted professionals will save you some hours of sleep. Plus, and this is vital – your real estate agent knows the housing market a lot more than you do and I don’t care how much you researched it. Because your real estate agent makes a commission on the sale, you’ll get top dollar for your house, which should more than cover the commission fees. Remember – you’re on the same side!

The post How Real Estate Commissions Work appeared first on Newton Search.

Ensure a Smooth, Clean Onboarding Process

Whether your business involves selling products or services, convenience is the name of the game. The easier it is to get started, the more likely prospects (or leads) will be to follow through with converting into happily paying customers. Enabling the opposite (obstacles that could make onboarding difficult) will only deter future customers, harming your revenue stream and word-of-mouth reputation in the process.

Gather Pools of Customer Feedback

Not all consumers are created equal and assuming so will be your downfall. Regardless of your business or industry, the more you know about your competitors and customers, the better. And what better way to do so than to get the intel right from the horses’ mouth? Some of the best methods for collecting customer intel?

Conduct Surveys: Sending surveys via email, direct mail, social media, etc. is a great way to ask direct questions and get direct feedback. It’s ideal for filling in the grey areas when unsure about product design, brand acceptance, etc. Your best bet is to offer some form of incentive for filling out – also, make them short and simple for more entries!

Focus Groups: For larger product launches or campaigns, it pays to gather samples of people to provide in-depth feedback. Some of the info may appear abstract, some direct – consider hiring some analysts to make the most of the information you gather.

Social Media Polls: Arguing with a co-worker over a small detail? Run a quick poll with a small ad spend behind it to get a single response from one, direct question.

If you’re serious about gathering quality customer intel, consider hiring a trusted market research firm.

See Customer Service As An Investment

There was once a time where having a customer service team was seen as a novelty. Not anymore! Pretty much regardless of your industry, trust there will be healthy competition at all price points, so fail to help your customers out and they’ll leave for a competitor without hesitation. This is particularly true in the social media era – a time where consumers look to Twitter and other networks for real-time assistance (minus the hold music).

Bottom line, it costs a whole lot less to keep your customers happy (and paying) than it would to maintain a revolving door of a customer base – trust us. Having to aggressively market and advertise for the *chance* of maintaining revenue pales in comparison to just keeping a loyal customer base present.

Set Up a Solid Loyalty Program

Like it or not, consumers want incentives for pretty much everything. They want to be rewarded and guess what – if you don’t do it, your competitors certainly will. The best choice? Set up a strong customer loyalty program, which creates a plethora of benefits for your business.

This works to encourage customer loyalty (increasing the value of each customer to acquire and keep), while providing an avenue to collect their shopping and spending habits, which can be used to personalize your long-term marketing efforts.

The post Tips to Improve Customer Retention appeared first on Newton Search.

Though before starting this list, you’ll want to prioritize the items on your list inspection report, as every home is different. Once those matters are taken care of, we can get started.

Get Familiar With Your New Home

Yeah, yeah, this might seem obvious, even self-explanatory – but there are a handful of things that you might not have thought of, especially with the number of tasks on your plate. To get started…

Learn where your main water shut off valve, gas shut-off valve, circuit box and sump pump are located. These are absolutely essential to know for when you have any water, gas or storm-related issues. Most of these are located either in your basement or garage.

Update Your New Home Address… Everywhere

This is certainly a hassle, but very important and the faster you get it out of the way, the better. Start by notifying your closest friends and family members in one swoop to ensure you don’t miss anyone important, then notify the post office and HR department at your job.

Start Shopping For Home Insurance

Next, you’ll want to protect your investment. Go shopping for the best rates from reputable insurances to find the best plan for you. Also, be sure to get acquainted with a licensed public adjuster so you can be prepared for even the worst of situations.

Connect Your Utilities

Contact your local utility companies, starting with the essentials like water, gas and electricity. Next, you’ll want to contact your local cable company for television and internet. P.S. We know how weird it feels to be in a home that isn’t connected. It’ll feel a lot more like home when this is done.

Make A Checklist Of Beautification Projects

Next, you’ll want to make a checklist of all the things that will make your home… yours. All of the things you envisioned when talking that first walk through the house, jot them down and prioritize which are most important. It may take months, or even years to get them all done, but at the very least it’ll be easier having a visual of what needs to be done.

Some common projects include (but are not limited to) replacing carpeting or flooring, painting siding, yard modifications.

Up Your Security Measures

Nothing quite makes you feel as safe as knowing you have reliable home security. This is a big step you should take, especially in select neighborhoods. To get started, you’ll want to visit your local hardware store and pick up some new locks. It’s best to switch out the locks on your front and back doors, as you never knew who had keys to your home before you moved in.

Then you’ll want to have duplicate keys cut so you can give them out to close friends and family.

Finally, consider having a home security system installed for that extra level of comfort and peace of mind. Most companies install free and have affordable monthly rates.

Plan For Emergencies

Every family needs a plan for the unexpected. It’s really important to have an evacuation plan for home fires, carbon monoxide threats and more. Plus you should take this time to stock important supplies such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, flashlights (with batteries) just to name a few.

Create A Maintenance Plan

Having a clear, transparent maintenance plan is the best way to create a sustainable schedule for the whole family. Things like cleaning your dryer hose/vent to prevent fires, draining your water heater, cleaning your gutters and keeping up with your refrigerator are all things that will keep you safe and save you money down the line. It’s best to delegate tasks upfront so everyone is clear on what their responsibilities are.

The post 8 Things To Do After Buying Your First Home appeared first on Newton Search.

Scope Out the Competition

Start your home selling process with a personal marketing plan. Arm yourself with information about the current home buying climate in your vicinity. Scan the realty websites for your area daily. Who is your competition? For starters, every other home with the same square footage, number of bedrooms, bathroom, garage stalls, and acreage. Is your basement/attic finished? What is the top price for a home with similar features near you? Be sure not to allow a realtor to top that when listing your residence, or you’ll be the last to be seen by prospects and therefore the last to be sold.

Condition Counts

Then there is the matter of condition. How old is your home? Your neighborhood? Traditionally, older, more established neighborhoods will have mature landscaping, more varied architectural styles (i.e. not cookie cutter), and, most important, lower taxes. Next, focus on your home: how old is the roof? What kind of plumbing materials were used- copper, lead, or PVC? Is your foundation poured concrete/rebar or cinder block, which one? Any sign of foundation cracks? Evidence of https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/residential/water-damage inside or outside your home? Insect infestation either active or historic?

Location, Always Location

It’s also important to be realistic about where your home is situated. Buyers dream of being near the water, having a https://www.playcrystalsprings.com/ close by, being within walking distance to shopping, dining, and their children’s elementary schools. Next to a commercial area, directly across from a school, bordering a cemetery, in an airport flightpath, within hearing distance of a railroad, near a high-crime area are not as desirable as locations that offer more peace and quiet as well as safety and privacy. No upmarket kitchen or finished basement can overcome being situated in a less than optimal neighborhood. Such homes must be priced accordingly, marketing must be vigorous, and owners can expect a longer listing to closing time.

Market Conditions

Is it a buyers or a sellers market? If the former, expect to be inspected and any price point challenged in order to make the sale. Even if it is a sellers market, it is important not to over improve your residence, you’ll probably have to ante up to buy in wherever you are going so save money on the selling end. When marketing your home, if you invest too much improving it thinking you’ll sell at a higher price, buyers will simply look -and buy- elsewhere.

If you have to sell your home during what you consider to be an adverse time, consider any advantages you’ll have such as not getting your asking price when selling, will likely mean paying less when you buy in your new city or town. There is usually a silver lining to these transactions, so look for it and seek ways to benefit from any hiccups in the selling/buying process. Our best advice: Become and stay optimistic and be realistic.

We cannot overstate this point: when upgrading for a sale, don’t overdo it. Here are the leading reasons home buyers cite when rejecting a property, so be sure to think twice before making your residence too good to be sold!

Kitchen Remodel

Today’s buyers may want turnkey but they also want kitchens and bathrooms their way. Those high-end cherry cabinets you installed will not resonate with buyers who are sold on having a clean white contemporary look. Ditto for that name appliance package you bought at the big box store when your neighborhood and buyers’ budget dictates commercial appliances and nothing less. The caveats to this statement are if your kitchen is over 15 years old- then prospects will question if the rest of your home has been well-maintained. Also, if your competitors have renovated their kitchens, you must as well. Or, depending on the market, consider deducting the cost of a kitchen reno from your asking price or offering a modest stipend at closing towards a kitchen remodel.

Unfinished Renovations

It only makes the residence look as if an unskilled DIYer incapable of finishing anything started and then lost interest. Presenting a cohesive home is not only appealing, it also inspires buyer confidence. For example, installing granite in a kitchen with outmoded appliances and cabinets will only point out how worn everything else looks and signal a need for a gut job instead of a more cost-effective renovation. Taste is very personal so making upgrades based on your taste might also deter buyers from pulling the trigger since they are considering having to rip out your upgrades to ‘have it their way’. Buyers see it as paying for your mistakes.

Replacing a Bedroom

Before you remodel your mid Century modern or split ranch by converting a small bedroom into a walk-in closet, think again. You’ll need that bedroom to garner the most money from prospects. Instead, your brochure that details the home’s features can state, “4-bedrooms, 3-baths, ideal for in-law suite, home office, and/or walk-in closet conversion.” Let the new folks tailor their new home to meet their needs. Don’t anticipate what those needs might be and lose important living space in the meantime.

Conversions

While we are on the subject, think twice before converting your basement into a private suite, adding a bathroom, or home theatre. Most buyers will not want them. Some folks just want storage, and a clean place to do the laundry. Instead, keep it simple. Paint the floors and walls using products just for this purpose, cap the steel posts with inexpensive poly columns, and present a clean canvas for new owners to make their mark. It is especially important not to imply that the space can be used for living quarters as most jurisdiction now require an outside entrance and egress windows along with an approved variance and permit.

Swimming Pools

Once an upgrade that cinched the deal, now swimming pools are viewed by many as a liability. Either the location is not ideal, or the thought of increased taxes, the cost of insurance and maintenance, and its size, shape, and/or construction are red flags to many buyers. If you have one, just make sure you have your costs to maintain, and the name of your https://www.endlesspools.com/ maintenance person available. Do not put in a pool to increase your chances of a higher home sale. Unless you live in the Southwest, California, or Florida, today’s cost-conscious home buyers are not interested in this upgrade anymore.

We hope you find this information helpful. Just remember there are many updates that can and will speed the selling process. Most of these will not break the bank. To begin with, a home that has been well-maintained will not require a significant cash outlay to become market-ready, just some decluttering, polish and staging. Be sure to follow these pointers before you contact a realtor to ensure an optimal listing price. After all, your home represents a large financial commitment. It is important, especially if moving to a more expensive region, to pull every possible dollar out of your investment. Best of luck!

The post Selling Your Home? Top 5 Upgrades to Avoid and Why appeared first on Newton Search.

Hardscapes can be defined as the “brick and mortar” aspect of landscape or built-in features. These things are the nonliving components. Hardscapes can serve as a practical aspect of your landscape design and include such things as, driveways, sidewalks, and walkways to get you from one place to the other within your landscape. Walls and fences can serve as a barrier between yards and are made from various materials such as stone, iron, or wood. Hardscapes can also serve as a more decorative feature with such things as, patios, decks, waterscapes, garden tresses, gazebos, and much more. These can be pivotal aspects of your landscape that make your design go for ordinary to amazing and make your yard stand out.

Softscapes consist of the living or used to be living components of your design. These include grass, shrubs, plants, trees, and ground cover. Ground cover such as mulch and pine straw and trees and plants are some of the most common types of softscapes. When considering your soft scape components you should take into consideration your geographical location’s climate, rainfall, and also the amount of sun and shade those areas in your design will receive. Some grasses, plants shrubs, and trees require more sun or shade, and placement in your design for these elements is crucial. Consider how much rainfall you receive and some plants and grasses require more or less water to thrive. All of these should be a consideration when designing your space.

Softscapes require maintenance which includes watering, trimming, planting and other tasks to ensure success. Softscapes are often purchased from local home improvement stores, nurseries, or tree farms and are planted, installed, and maintained by homeowners or landscape contractors.

Both hardscapes and softscapes are key elements to a beautiful outdoor space. There are a few differences between the two. Here are 5 key differences.

• Hardscapes are a more permanent solution to softscapes. Hardscapes generally require building or constructing each element with careful planning and execution. These elements are often a semi-permanent aspect or require substantial work to be removed or taken down. There is generally a higher cost involved with hardscape installation. These costs are for materials and labor. These features often require the help of professional landscape designers or installers to put together the final product. Keep in mind when designing these features that elements such as drainage or lack thereof can cause issues and should be planned out prior to building these elements.
• Softscapes tend to be a more changeable aspect over hardscape features. They often create a mood or feel for landscape design. This can be done by changing out different flowers, trees, or shrubs in order to update the look of your design. This can be as simple as changing out plants by updated colors from season to season or changing the layout or design of flower beds for an updated look.
• Softscapes require a higher level of maintenance than hardscapes. While hardscapes may require more labor and materials at the start of the project, the long term maintenance on them is minimal. Whereas, softscapes require continuous maintenance to continue to thrive and maintain their beauty. Regular watering, trimming, mowing, and various other upkeep tasks are required.
• Hardscapes are often the area in our outdoor space that people occupy whether it be a sitting or gathering area or a path or walkway to another area of your outside oasis. These items include decks, patios, and pools where people can gather and enjoy the outdoor space. Hardscapes also provides a way to organize the softscape areas of your yard with retaining walls and other hardscape features.
• Softscapes are often used to create a more visually appealing aspect to your landscape. This can be done with the use of colorful flowers and shrubs along with plants in various heights to create a dramatic feel. Plants, trees, and shrubs often provide a balance between what can often be a colder appearance of hardscapes.

While both hardscapes and softscapes work hand in hand in the design of your outdoor living space keep in mind when planning out your landscaping oasis you should consider both as key components to your design. Both are crucial parts of your dream landscape design.

The post The Differences In Hardscapes and Softscapes and Why Is It Important to Have Both appeared first on Newton Search.

KEYLESS ENTRY: The concept is simple- enter a (usually) 4-digit code and voila, no need for keys. The convenience of keyless entry includes your morning run when keys would pose a nuisance, visitors, contractors, delivery personnel, or tenants who can have a code of their own which can be wiped upon their departure. For those who live alone losing your keys and not having entry to your home is one less thing to worry about.

SMART HOME SECURITY: We will not mention brand names but there are a wealth of options for every size home and budget. No one should be without a home security system, if only for the 15% (sometimes higher) rebate on our annual home insurance policy. In addition to cameras that can be monitored remotely by the homeowner or by a subscription service, full-featured home security systems offer the option to control thermostats and lighting on every floor to lower energy costs. Some even warn against fire, carbon monoxide, leaks, and potential flood hazards. As previously stated, while most can be controlled remotely, some offer voice control as well.

SMART VACUUMS AND MORE: We have all seen the disc-shaped vacuums that sense boundaries and challenges to clean an entire floor on a single charge, then return to their home base. All one needs to do is empty them. While this is just grand, there are limitations including steps and thick rugs. Still, for interim tidying between deep cleanings, many homeowners swear by them.

Following this concept, weekend warriors who detest pushing the lawnmower will rejoice at the cordless robotic mowers that take on hills and tree roots with ease. Several major brands now offer models so while today these paragons are ideal for small lawns only, within a few years, there is the potential to swap one green (your yard), with another (the golf course). BTW: Robotics are also available to clean pools and control your sprinklers more effectively than ever before. And you’re welcome!

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS: The residential, voice-activated, AI-driven personal assistant is like having another family member. One that actually performs the chores you task it with! Beyond providing information, orchestrating online ‘visits’, and complying with home security systems, these devices now work in tandem with specialized light bulbs, wall switches, televisions, and even draperies and window coverings to make our lives more convenient. If one had to select one Smart Home upgrade for convenience and another for safety, the Voice-Activated Personal Assistant and the Smart Home Security System would be top of the list.

Give a Pass to These Smart Home Innovations

SMART MIRROR/BODY SCANNER: Unless one works in an industry where appearance is everything, the smart mirror/body scanner delves too far into the realm of pseudo-science and extreme vanity. The facial version informs users of facial blemishes, etc. (And their eyes don’t?) Additionally, it can be used to note changes in skin tone over time so one can determine if that expensive anti-wrinkle cream is worth the expense. The body version will let you know if your workouts have been effective or not based on your changing contours. (Your newly baggy clothes will not?)

METABOLISM STIMULATORS: This falls under the ‘now we have heard everything’ category. The unit is a headset that “allows” wearers to eat whatever they want and still lose weight. The machine is said to stimulate the brain so that it metabolizes faster leading to quick weight loss regardless of what the wearer has ingested. Uh, if that is the case, I’ll have the Lobster Thermador, heavy on the butter and cream, please! Dream on!

SMART MATTRESS: This is a sleep aid that does more than just support the spine- or does it? It monitors one’s resting heart rate, notes the bedroom temperature and noise rate, offers LED light therapy, and allegedly stops snoring. Sounds like an amusement park for insomniacs and any MD can tell you that adjusting one’s sleeping position will not realign one’s septum, the usual cause of nocturnal wood sawing, anyway.

WIFI-ENABLED APPLIANCES: We are not talking about coffee makers that know when you rise and have a piping hot pot of fresh java waiting. No! These innovations range from ‘cookie pods’ and an appliance whose sole purpose is to bake four cookies at a time and signal when it is finished (in my house our noses do the signaling for us), a fork that vibrates to let users know that they are eating too fast, an automatic dental flosser that sees one approach the sink and immediately dispenses floss (what if you only want to wash your hands?), and a pet food dispenser that ejects doggie treats by remote control from your mobile device. The good news is that they don’t work when your WiFi is down. Yes, that is the only good news.

As with most new technology, those who welcome it will take to new ways of doing daily tasks with ease. Those who are not, such as this author who has reservations about having a new ride with keyless entry and ignition, the best advice is to read the instructions and have a back-up plan- such as an entry system with keyless or keyed entry options. Sooner than later these innovations will become commonplace and ‘can’t live withouts’. If getting in on the ground floor of new technology is too much, just opt for one feature at a time, such as a personal assistant which is scalable and will allow even the most skittish to add on as needed. The “Brave New World” that Huxley wrote about is happening now, but that is not just cause to break the bank in the name of home improvement. After all, innovation and technology are meant to improve the quality of our lives, if only we’ll allow it!

The post Best Smart Upgrades for New Homeowners appeared first on Newton Search.

Medical marijuana is nothing new. In fact, for thousands of years before Christ, the Chinese used cannabis tea to treat a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions. It is even said that Queen Victoria utilized CBD to quel what was then known as ‘female troubles’. During the mid-19th century, an Irish physician, Wiliam O’Shaughnessy, published his study on cannabis’ therapeutic applications. Sadly, his findings were considered so radical at the time, that prominent medical universities and practitioners refused to acknowledge him. Another century would pass before an American chemist, Roger Adam, isolated the cannabis compound, Cannabidiol or CBD.

Again, research on its therapeutic benefits was slow to evolve due to the stigma of its notorious sibling, marijuana. Money for research dried up. However, during the 1980s university work continued on the medically frail with very positive results. In one study, 300mg of CBD was injected daily to a small pool of epilepsy patient volunteers. The dosage proved to be highly effective in reducing or completely eliminating their seizures. However, the outcomes were not publicized, and further study was not subsidized.

Medical marijuana

However, behind the scenes, the benefits of marijuana increasingly gained ground and support for its legalization led to the passage of the landmark Proposition 215 in California, which legalized marijuana for medical purposes only. Other states followed including Maine, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii and Nevada, which incidentally, have thousands of fertile acres ideal for raising (medical) marijuana cash crops.

One of the long-time roadblocks to complete acceptance of CBD is the lack of substantial medical research available, and the public’s continued aversion to anything associated with an addictive drug. For most, cannabis is termed a ‘gateway drug’, in that by itself, it is not particularly harmful, but its use leads to experimentation and addiction to more powerful and dangerous drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and even prescription opioids. However, thanks to the rise of the internet and social media as a public forum, those who have benefitted from the use of medical marijuana and CBD are telling their stories. These range from epileptics for whom seizures are a thing of the past, to cancer patients whose pain has been alleviated, to those who claim that CBD has cured their cancer.

Due to this growing awareness and substantiated accounts by actual patients, the retail market for CBD has increased exponentially. As such the market is predicted to have a value of $22 billion in less than three years. Nearly every day one finds credible articles about a new ailment or condition, such as stress, anxiety, hypertension, wherein a need to be calm and relaxed proves beneficial to health and wellbeing. And for every case, CBD is cited as the vehicle in providing the solution, relief, or cure.

Today, CBD products are seen everywhere. At first they were available only in boutique outlets and stand alone pharmacies. Today big box stores and chain drug stores carry them. Less than a week ago, this author stopped in a Connecticut liquor store and found Gummy CBD products and other cannabis products displayed by the register. For the record, I refrained from buying them for my co-workers as souvenirs.

Recently there have been two more breakthroughs for those who are pro-CBD’s widespread use: The FDA approved a CBD-based oral solution, Epidolex. Available by prescription only, the drug is the first known to utilize the compound CBD in the treatment of epilepsy. In addition, the government has softened its stance on growing CBD which was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill passed by both Houses in Washington, D.C.

There are countless forums debating the issue and countless more patients who claim that their medical conditions have been reduced, alleviated, or even cured by compounds from the same plant their grandparents smoked to get high. Whether seeing CBD in your local chain store or hearing someone’s account of its therapeutic benefits first hand, CBD is not going away anytime soon. And, as more medical research dollars are allocated for its research, Cannabidiol may yet receive the respect and widespread medical use it seems destined to achieve. Time will tell.

The post Cannabis Goes Mainstream: A Short History of CBD appeared first on Newton Search.

Remember when anti-lock brakes were a major advance? Or how all-wheel drive changed how you felt about winter driving? What about the moonroof? Run-flat tires? And let’s not overlook the allure of a control screen in the center of our dash with its numerous communication features? In recent years there have been even more game changers in terms of automotive safety and convenience. Here are the most requested new features at the car dealership:

1. Autonomous Driving

   ‘Autonomous’ is a word associated with most of today’s innovations. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), the car is programmed to anticipate and fulfill an expectation. In this case, control (decision-making) is transferred from the drive to the vehicle’s AI system. Some of the ground-breaking safety features noted below are AI-based. This new wave of technology is in its infancy. Not only will AI make our vehicles more intuitive and problem-solving, but also safer, and get ready for this, ultimately driverless. Brave. New. World.

2. Blind Spot Detection

   Not one for heavily relying on technology, this is one upgrade this writer can get my head around. The blind spot behind every car is responsible for a huge percentage of accidental rear collisions. How it works: a high-resolution video camera is built into the rear along with sensors that sound alerts for the driver when the potential for a collision is imminent.

3. Adaptive Headlights

   While there are numerous creatures whose eyes are static, experience has proven that this is not a great feature for vehicles. The solution is adaptive headlights. These lights will automatically redirect their beam in the direction that the car is facing, making nighttime visibility, especially on winding roads, negotiating steep hills, and driving in bad weather, much safer.

4. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

   Another pre-emptive technology, ESC anticipates when a skid is likely to occur and takes control of the vehicle’s engine and braking systems. However, should a skid be unavoidable ECS additionally marshalls forces to mitigate its effects.

5. Reverse Park Assist

   Since the day we took our road test many of us have avoided ye olde parallel parking situation. With Reverse Park Assist, drivers press a button, engage the throttle, and the car takes over to steer your vehicle into position without damage to curbs, other vehicles, or yours. Now just how does one extricate one’s vehicle when it’s time to depart?

6. Rear Cross-Traffic Assist

   My family’s recent move to a retirement community where the average age appears to be significantly older than ourselves, prompted us to look into a new car with this feature. Suffice it to say our new locale is not a good place to have to back out of a parking space. This safety feature uses sensors to monitor the roadway on either side giving both visual and sound alerts is another vehicle is coming. This way we hope to avoid meeting our new neighbors with an auto body repair.

7. Blind Spot Detection

   These road monitors are ideal for highway driving. The sensors will flash a visual warning if there is a vehicle in your blind spot when you are trying to change lanes.

8. Lane Assist

   There are a number of versions of this feature. Most will alert drivers with an audible warning if they are drifting into another lane. More advanced Lane Assist functions will move the steering wheel slightly thereby influencing drivers to steer in the indicated direction and presumably out of potential harm’s way.

9. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

   Ever notice how law enforcement pulls over the vehicle that is not part of the pack? One of the ways to avoid this and stay in line with moving traffic, is with ACC. It enables drivers to maintain a constant distance from the vehicle directly in front, but will not exceed a set-speed to do so. If the lead vehicle slows down, yours does as well automatically. The question remains as to what happens when the lead exits the parkway, but I am sure the manufacturers have thought of that contingency!

10. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

    The #1 most requested safety feature at dealerships is AEB. Seen on numerous car commercials on TV, this feature uses sensors to detect the proximity of anything in front of your vehicle. When a potential obstacle is detected, AEB applies the brakes automatically to minimize impact or if your vehicle is traveling at a slower speed, to avoid a collision altogether.

As you can see, AI is behind many of today’s safety features and innovations. If you are thinking it is time to trade in your old ride but think the new one would be cost-prohibitive, we have another suggestion. Just research online and determine which safety features are ‘must haves’. Then have a frank talk with your dealer. Every model has several levels of features, and there is likely to be at least one option that is both safety, and budget friendly. Happy and safe driving.

The post Top 10 Car Safety Features For Your New Ride appeared first on Newton Search.

Back in the 1950s, Rachel Carson, a scientist, warned us about pollution risks to our health and to the environment in her landmark book: ‘Silent Spring’. Her work set off worldwide awareness of industrial plant waste violations, and the trickle down effect that toxic chemicals have to living organisms throughout the food chain and even our life cycles. As a result, many environmental agencies, both government-controlled and in the private sector emerged. These groups serve as both watchdogs and legislators to ensure that industries are run as green (non-polluting) as possible, and that any transgressions are swiftly identified and remediated.

Most of us have little time in our lives to become activists, however, at the same time there are many ways we can live greener lives and help ourselves and our environment. Here’s a brief list:

1. Buy second-hand clothing. You might think that paper or plastics comprise the bulk of our landfills. Nope. It is fabric. One way to reduce fiber waste is by purchasing our clothing, or partially wardrobing from brick and mortar or online thrift shops. Not only will you save money, but many of these items are unworn and with their original tags. This is also an ideal way to own a coveted luxury item such as a designer handbag without buyer’s remorse when you receive your credit card statement.
2. Speaking of paper, try to eliminate catalogs and 2nd class adverts in your mailbox by unsubscribing online. At work, troll your office printers where forgotten or outdated printouts are abandoned. Tear these into scraps and use as note paper. Save on toner by squeezing every print possible from each cartridge. When printouts are faded, remove and shake the toner cartridge then replace it in its holster. You’ll reap an additional 15% more prints using this method.
3. Many states are mandating that grocers charge for plastic bags. Accordingly, multi-use bags made from recycled materials have become a popular choice as we now bring our own bags from home. If you must purchase plastic bags, reuse them the next time you shop or repurpose them for leftovers or as a lunch bag.
4. Kill a Watt Not: Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Do not leave your TV/AC/Heat on if no one is in the room. Wear a sweater. Hang your clothes out to dry. LED bulbs. Buy them. Use them. That’s all we have to say on the matter.
5. Save water. Fewer baths, shorter showers, turning off the tap when you brush your teeth, wash clothes in cold water, use (recycled) paper dishes and plastic cutlery, etc.
6. Carpool: there are online sites across the country to help commuters get to and from work via jitney services. If you work for a large company, get to know others who live near you and save gas, wear and tear on your car, and make time spent in traffic more enjoyable. Reduced emissions are the gains here.
7. Eat less meat and dairy. Some farmers are not going to like this, but there is a movement to reduce or eliminate red meat and dairy from our diets. Arguments include the greenhouse emissions associated with raising livestock over plant crops, and the effect the animal byproducts have on our health. Don’t. Kill. The. Messenger.
8. One of the ways we can preserve our waterways and the aquifer is by responsible recreational boating practices. In fact, many lakeside communities mandate the sole use of electric boat motors for all water-going craft. Not only does this practice reduce noise pollution, but it also maintains an excellent habitat for most marine life including plant life that oxygenates our waterways. Another plus: fishermen know that a quiet-running trolling motor is ideal for sneaking up on a schools of trout, bass, and other tasty aquatic life!
9. Go to the car wash. You may think by washing your car at home that you are saving money. Not only are you being wasteful with water usage, but also car wash facilities have responsible recycling procedures in place. Also homeowners may be poisoning their own landscaping with run off from cleaning products and polishes formulated to clean and maintain your car’s finish, not your lawn.
10. Download software. Buying software online reduces packaging waste and has one very positive benefit: those seamless automatic updates!

We should have all learned from impactful events such as Chernobyl (a once, pastoral location in Russia now forever associated with a nuclear plant accident and subsequent resident health ailments) that preserving our environment is of paramount importance to ours and future generations. As stated previously, we do not have to join marches or petition our legislators to be involved in environmental preservation. Just integrate some of the practices listed into your daily life and you’ll be making an immediate contribution to keeping our planet green.

The post 10 Ways to Make America Green Again appeared first on Newton Search.

This is our complete guide to finding the perfect piano for you, regardless of your level of experience.

Before looking into the granular details, we have to start with the bare essentials. These are the main things you’ll have to consider.
Acoustic or Digital?

Before making any other decision, consider how involved you want to be with piano and whether you want a digital or acoustic. Digital pianos are less of an investment and have improved over the years, not to mention they’re cheaper and easier to move. All other decisions will depend on this first call!

The Size of Your Piano

As we’ve already said, your piano is more than an instrument – its a piece of furniture and a new edition to your home. You can consider the customization of the piano once you’ve picked one of the correct size – nothing too big that dominates the room, and nothing too small that makes it feel like you’re settling.

When thinking about the right size piano you want, always consider who’s going to be playing it. An experienced player might look for different things than a kid who’s just learning.

What Kind of Style Are You Looking For?

The size is one thing, but the style is a totally different story. The truth is, there’s a variety of pianos to choose from.

If you’re doing with acoustic, these are your choices:

• Grand Pianos: the grand piano is what most people imagine when they hear the word “piano”. They’re large, heavy, and are often the centerpiece of a room.
• Baby Grand Pianos: just smaller-scaled versions of grand pianos.
• Upright Pianos: these are smaller, lighter, and more affordable versions of grand pianos.
• Hybrids (Upright Grands): In-between grand and upright pianos.

If you’re going with digital, these are your choices:

• Upright Digital Piano: upright pianos that are digital
• Synthesizers: these are portable keyboards that offer an array of different sounds from the keys
• Digital Stage Pianos: digital pianos that reflect the feel and sound of acoustic pianos.
• MIDI Controller Keyboard: technical keyboards that have an assortment of additional knobs and buttons.

Figure Out Which Brand You Want

Not all pianos are created equal – What’s your budget?

Like when you’re buying anything else, some brands and models are more expensive than others. It’s not to say than some of the lower-end piano brands aren’t worth buying, it’s more that you want to make sure you’re getting the most for an allotted budget so there’s no buyer’s remorse.

Find An Expert

It’s important to find someone who has your best interest in mind. This is where a trusted piano dealer comes into play.

It’s nice to have someone that not only knows a lot about piano but may also be able to offer another perspective on the playing and purchasing process. Visiting a nice piano showroom with a helpful professional can make the piano-buying experience totally different!

There you have it, everything you need to know before buying a new piano! Take your time, choose one that’s right for you, and enjoy!

The post How to Choose The Right Piano For You appeared first on Newton Search.